Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,600
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.0%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.6%
74% higher than US avg
How Gary Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population858
Median Age45.3 yrs
Density1,021/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$19,188
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty21.6%
County GDP$728M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,600
Ownership91.6%
Zillow$45,876
Housing Units458
Rent Burden40.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity47.0%
Uninsured13.4%
Smoking28.7%
Depression32.9%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.6 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,431 ft (436 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score3.70
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute36 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Gary a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gary receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Gary offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gary is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 21.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gary is $55,600, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gary is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Gary experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Gary has a population of 858 with a density of 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 45.3 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (75.6%), with 12.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 32.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.3yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Gary is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,188 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,078, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 382 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,188 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,078 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,508 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.6% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 382 |
| County GDP | $728M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 99.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Gary is $55,600, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $45,876, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 458 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 40.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,600 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $45,876 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.4% |
| Housing Units | 458 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Gary, 47.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 45.2% have high blood pressure. 28.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 43.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 26.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673. The dentist ratio is 1:5,950. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gary vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.0% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.9% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.2% |
| Asthma | 14.4% |
| COPD | 13.4% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.7% |
| 105% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 43.1% |
| Depression | 32.9% |
| Mental Distress | 26.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 48.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,673 |
| Dentists | 1:5,950 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,180 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 41.6% |
| Premature Death | 24,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Gary has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Gary vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Gary experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.6 inches. The area receives 17.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,431 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.4°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,431 ft (436 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,021/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3632°N, 81.5357°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | McDowell County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.6"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
68 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
99 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
75 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
39 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
67 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
299 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
66 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 2022 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY (61,231 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
81 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
73 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
56 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
64 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
14,554 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
ROCK HOUSE BRANCH |
13,056 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Gary has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Gary. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $649 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gary
What is the population of Gary?
Gary has a population of 858 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Gary expensive to live in?
Gary is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,600 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gary safe?
Gary is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Gary?
Gary has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Gary?
The job market in Gary is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,078. There are 382 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gary?
The median home value in Gary is $55,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $45,876. The homeownership rate is 91.6%.
How are the schools in Gary?
Schools in Gary have an average test score of 3.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.4% of adults in Gary hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gary?
The obesity rate in Gary is 47.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.7% of adults are smokers. 43.1% are physically inactive. 32.9% of residents report depression. 13.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,673.
What is transportation like in Gary?
The average commute in Gary is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 99.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gary?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gary is 75.6% White, 12.2% Black or African American. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 32.6% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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